World Cup of Hockey

When it takes place in Toronto September 17 to October 1, 2016, the World Cup of Hockey will have the most exciting names in NHL hockey on the roster.

It takes place at the Air Canada Centre, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and though it’s not the first hockey World Cup (the last one took place about a dozen years ago), the NHL is planning to hold it every four years, just like the soccer counterpart, and make it a highly-anticipated event in the sports landscape.

So this World Cup is a first, of sorts, and most importantly a chance for fans to see some great hockey. The biggest hockey nations will be sending players – Canada, United States, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia and Sweden as well as Germany and Slovakia.

There will also be two all-star teams — Team Europe and the under-23 Team North America — which means there will be about 150 of the NHL’s best players participating in the tournament on teams of 20 skaters and three goaltenders.

Murray’s teammate Sidney Crosby, the recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoff MVP, will be representing Team Canada, alongside other league favourites such as the New York Islanders’ John Tavares, Tampa Bay Lightning’s Steven Stamkos and Chicago Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews.